Some of you may know me from the COG forum, for those that don't, Ted handed the OtP activities to me some months ago. I apologize that the posting on the Micapeak email list didn't take place at the same time as on the forum. I was completely unaware of this email list until Mike A. told me some days ago. I went through the registration, and this is my very first message to you guys via this madium.

The info below is what was posted on the COG forum a few days ago, with the addition of information about donations which I confirmed is enabled.

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OK... it's OtP time again!

The 15th year of bridging the Atlantic (or English channel) through motorcycling is officially kicked-off.

This year, a fortunate COG member will get to go to Europe and ride around, and participate in the GTR Club meeting as well as other activities.

OK, so not everybody knows... What is OtP?

Over the Pond takes a North America COG member, or a GTR Clubs member from Europe, over "the Pond" to visit the other side, once a year, alternating years. They often stay with club members, do some great riding, and participate in the rally of the hosting club. The clubs raise funds to make the trip as low cost as possible for the traveler. The funds are 100% from donations, with none coming from club funds, so it's up to us to keep this thing going!

In the next few months, there will be opportunities for club members to help financially. We will also have a 'donate" button on the COG & Forum webpages, and there will be other opportunities to contribute, including at least one auction. One way to donate is via Paypal; donations can be sent to: <mailto:treasurer@cog-online.org> treasurer@cog-online.org

After many years, Ted (Connie_Rider) stepped down from coordinating this on the Western side of the Atlantic, and passed the baton to me. I hope to be half as effective as Ted was.

The traveler is selected by the clubs. Nominees are submitted, those meeting the requirements are contacted to make sure they can make the trip, their names published and the club votes to select the traveler. In case of a tie, there will be a runoff vote between the two tying nominees.

As with anything like this, there are rules.

They're meant to keep the process fair, and make it easier to manage it. The guidelines, rules, etc. are included below. The rules will cover who can be nominated, who can vote, etc. Please keep in mind that we are not lawyers (at least most of us), and show grace to us as there will always be room for improvement. If you have suggestions for improvement in future years, please send them to: otp@cog-online.org.

The rough timeline is also below, to help clarify when each step will take place. The dates are approximates, but any changes should be minor.

Please start considering who you will nominate, and get ready for the opening of nominations...

Rules for nominating persons: Not much needed here... just nominate someone who really deserves this (or that you want gone for a while)

Nominee/Traveler Requirements:

1. "OtP" Team leaders and past "OtP" Travelers are NOT eligible.

2. Nominee must be a "current" COG or GCE member.

3. Nominee must have put on COG/GCE Events, Sponsored "OtP" Travelers, been a Team Leader on a COG/GCE National, held a Club Office, taken on a position of responsibility at club events, or have an extended history of helping the Clubs - Bottom line, must have been a "Worker" for COG/GCE) 4. During the nomination all candidates will provide information about riding skill/experience.

This is to include; years you have ridden a large displacement bike, your riding preferences

(tourer/twisty/enthusiast/racer/sporty/squirrel/etc)

5. During the nomination all candidates will provide information about their physical capabilities.

(We added this so that Nominee's can determine if they are physically capable of such a trip, and to discuss concerns with the "OtP" Leads). Nominee must be in good physical health and have time available for the trip. (approx. 2+ weeks)

6. Nominee will be required to fill out 2 questionnaire's on themselves.

Copy 1- The answers will be used to determine eligibility and as a means of introducing the Nominee to the club).

Copy 2- TO BE POSTED BY THE CANDIDATES ON THE FORUM...

7. Traveler must have Medical Insurance. (In the event of an accident).

8. The selected Traveler will receive all funds we collect to support the trip.

* These $$ will be given to the Traveler prior to the trip.

* Additional Funds "may" be received from Hosts throughout the "OtP" Ride (while these would be nice, traveler cannot count on this).

* Nominee must be willing (and able) to assume expenses above what is collected. Estimate of additional out of pocket expenses will not be greater than $2000 9. Nominee must have (or be able to quickly to get) a passport, prior to departure.

10. Nominee is not to be a frequent traveler to US/Europe. We hope to send someone who has "never" ridden in the US. (Military who served overseas are NOT considered frequent travelers) 11. We ("OtP" Team leads) will work to arrange a motorcycle for the Traveler.

(We have always been successful in locating/find a Lender) 11a. The "Bike Lender" will be responsible of supplying a motorcycle that is safe to use for the trip.

11b. The "Traveler" is responsible for normal operating costs of the bike, and must assure the bike is returned in the same condition it is received. In the event of a normal break down, another bike will be sought, and repair/transport costs determined between Traveler and Lender.

11c. (*) The "Traveler" is responsible for any damages to the bike while in his use.

12. Insurance; Arrangements must be made to cover the motorcycle in the event of an accident.

(Some motorcycle insurance may include medical insurance) 13. Travel period is still TBD, but will likely be more than 2 weeks total. Arrival date in Europe is approx. June 1st, departure will be following the GTR meeting. (Actual dates will be determined during trip planning).

14. If the Traveler chooses to do additional sightseeing after his "OtP" Ride, we will try to assist, but any additional travels are at the Travelers expense. In other words, if you decide to stay longer,,,, "We'll try to help, but You're on Your own dime"

15. After the "OtP" ride, the Traveler is required to write a report of the trip. The report is to be published in the Concourier and also at a webversion on the GCE-site.

16. Nominee may be asked to make a short presentation at the 2017 "COG National", and possibly the GCE Rally 17. "Nominee/Traveler" will be expected to taste a special, tasty Delicacy, maybe more than one...

(NOTE: We will arrange a "special" delicacy to be used for tasting. <evil grin> - tradition from past OtP trips 18. During the trip, the Traveler is requested to keep a record of all "OtP" money received and used during their trip.

(The record keeping will make it easier for the "OtP" team to estimate {total costs} for future "OtP" "Travelers").

19. After the trip, (if any donated funds remain) we ask the Traveler to return unused "OtP" Funds.

{to be used by the next Traveler}.

Requirements for Voting

1) Current COG/GCE Members are entitled to 1 Vote.

2) An Associate Member {of a Current COG/GCE Member} is entitled to 1 vote.

BUT (before Voting) a $10 Minimum donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person.

4) Forum Subscribers (with a minimum of 20 posts, and registration prior to OtP announcement date) can vote 1 time, but before voting a $10 Minimum Donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person.

5) Non-Members can vote 1 time, but before voting a $15 Minimum donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person

Approximate Timeline:

Date Event

16-Jan Announce start

17-Jan Donations & Pledges start

22-Jan Open Nominations

8-Feb Close Nominations

10-Feb Contact Nominees

14-Feb Nominees finalized

16-Feb Post Nominees

20-Feb Voting Starts

13-Mar Voting ends

18-Mar Winner selected

19-Mar to 25-Mar Winner & Runner-up contacted

29-Mar Winner & Runner-up Presented

5-Apr Begin travel arrangements

19-Apr Complete initial travel arrangements

25-Apr Tickets purchased

12-Jun Traveler arrives in country

07-Jun to 11-Jun Participation in GTR Meeting

?? Traveler returns home

17-Jun Donations & Pledges Conclude

______________________________________________________________________GENERAL COG MAILING LIST INFORMATION:This is from the COG mailing list. COG@micapeak.comhttp://micapeak.com/mailman/listinfo/cogYou subscribed to this mailing list. Therefore, you solicited allmail that you receive from this list. Therefore, ANY mail that youreceive from this list is, by definition, NOT Spam, and if you reportit as such, you are violating the micapeak.com terms of service.

OK... for all those who patiently have awaited the moment :13:And all those who have not been patient

There were a number of really great nominees, most of them unable to accept the nomination for a variety of reasons, but we are left with two really great COGgers...without further ado,congratulations to the candidates for OtP 2017 Traveler:Dan Breeden

and

Mark Hartman

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

In the next days, look for Dan and Mark to submit their write-ups. Dan and Mark, this is the time to not be humble, but instread let COG know what you have done for the club, why you should be this years OtP traveler, and how you're gong to solve the Middle East problems and World Hunger.

In the mean time, and until the end of collections,KEEP THOSE DONATIONS COMING!!

If you want your votes to be counted, please send them to: otpvotes@cog-online.orgThere is a devoted slave laborer volunteer that will be collecting the votes, and once the voting period is concluded, will total them. At that time, we will confirm all is still a "GO" for the winner, and proceed per the schedule.

As a reminder, the voting rules are being copied below:Requirements for Voting1) Current COG/GCE Members are entitled to 1 Vote.2) An Associate Member {of a Current COG/GCE Member} is entitled to 1 vote.3) Significant Others {That are NOT Associate members}, can vote 1 time. BUT (before Voting) a $10 Minimum donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person.4) Forum Subscribers (with a minimum of 20 posts, and registration prior to OtP announcement date) can vote 1 time, but before voting a $10 Minimum Donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person.5) Non-Members can vote 1 time, but before voting a $15 Minimum donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person

OK... for all those who patiently have awaited the moment :13:And all those who have not been patient

There were a number of really great nominees, most of them unable to accept the nomination for a variety of reasons, but we are left with two really great COGgers...without further ado,congratulations to the candidates for OtP 2017 Traveler:Dan Breeden

and

Mark Hartman

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

In the next days, look for Dan and Mark to submit their write-ups. Dan and Mark, this is the time to not be humble, but instread let COG know what you have done for the club, why you should be this years OtP traveler, and how you're gong to solve the Middle East problems and World Hunger.

In the mean time, and until the end of collections,KEEP THOSE DONATIONS COMING!!

If you want your votes to be counted, please send them to: otpvotes@cog-online.orgThere is a devoted slave laborer volunteer that will be collecting the votes, and once the voting period is concluded, will total them. At that time, we will confirm all is still a "GO" for the winner, and proceed per the schedule.

As a reminder, the voting rules are being copied below:Requirements for Voting1) Current COG/GCE Members are entitled to 1 Vote.2) An Associate Member {of a Current COG/GCE Member} is entitled to 1 vote.3) Significant Others {That are NOT Associate members}, can vote 1 time. BUT (before Voting) a $10 Minimum donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person.4) Forum Subscribers (with a minimum of 20 posts, and registration prior to OtP announcement date) can vote 1 time, but before voting a $10 Minimum Donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person.5) Non-Members can vote 1 time, but before voting a $15 Minimum donation must be made to "Over the Pond" by that person